Open Eye

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117th Congress · House

Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act

Subjects: Birth defects · Dental care · Employee benefits and pensions · Health care costs and insurance · Health care coverage and access · Home and outpatient care · Hospital care · Medical tests and diagnostic methods

In plain language

  • House bill in the 117th Congress.
  • Requires private health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies and birth defects.
  • House passed it on Apr 5, 2022 (substantive).
Official summary (Congressional Research Service)

Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies and birth defects, such as reconstructive services and items. Coverage must include services and items that functionally improve, repair, or restore any body part that is medically necessary for normal bodily functions or appearance, as determined by the treating physician. Coverage limits and cost-sharing requirements for such services and items may not be more restrictive than those applicable to all medical and surgical benefits under the plan.

View this measure on congress.gov

Roll-call votes on this measure